Important Tips for Getting the Best Results from Your Invisalign® Treatment

A state-of-the-art method for straightening teeth, Invisalign allows for desired results in half the time of conventional braces but minus the lip-cutting brackets and tedious metal wire tightening. Often known as "clear braces," the Invisalign process has been successfully used by thousands of adults wanting to correct flaws or make minor improvements to their smiles without looking similar to their teenagers! Nonetheless, Invisalign is even getting more popular with an additional group — adolescents are becoming part of the movement to align their smiles without the noticeable metal brackets intruding on their overall look. Are you considering receiving Invisalign? What can you do in order to gain the most out of your Invisalign experience?

At MINT Dentistry, our skilled Invisalign orthodontists now offer this advanced program to straighten and align teeth without the utilization of conventional braces. So, what should you do to obtain your desired result from your Invisalign treatment when trying to improve your smile? Let's identify the strategies and advice for Invisalign to make sure you receive the best results along with an enhanced, sexy smile!

ALL THE BUZZ ABOUT THE INVISALIGN PROCESS
There is no doubt that Invisalign has become increasingly popular over recent years, with more and more patients trying out “invisible braces” in order to fix and enhance their smiles. This new treatment to discreetly align teeth has even had older adults excited to check it out, and now younger adults and teenagers are learning about the "invisible braces" movement. The personalized aligners have exactly the same goal as classic braces, which is to improve a patient’s smile with straighter teeth, along with the additional bonus of these braces being removable and taking just half the time of conventional braces. This popular way of cosmetically improving teeth is catching on, and this is everything you may need to know about getting Invisalign at our practice.

You should wear your trays as directed
The trays (or aligners) that are moving your smile into the appropriate alignment won't work if they're not worn properly. Research has found that those who use their trays fewer than 20 hours each day have counterproductive outcomes, and it also lengthens the treatment duration. Invisalign is most often easier and much quicker in regard to obtaining outcomes (in comparison with traditional braces), but patients have to be devoted to using their individualized aligners for 22 hours per day and the full 48 hours for the first two days upon acquiring new ones for alterations. Sticking to using the trays increases your chances that your teeth should straighten out according to your treatment schedule and perhaps finish quicker than initially anticipated.

Stick to your schedule
Following your dentist’s instructions is a critical aspect of the Invisalign process. Staying on schedule, for example, when to replace your aligners with new ones and doing them in the right sequence, will only improve your smile. Allowing it to work as designed will ensure that you get noticeable results effectively. Your dental provider will know when you need to acquire new aligners, much like the modifications that come with metal braces, to be able to keep the straightening process on track and enhance the look of your smile. Invisalign trays have a predetermined order to follow to make sure your teeth and bite are shifting in the proper direction. Being on top of receiving your next set of trays in the correct order is crucial to obtaining the best results.

Be responsible about your dental hygiene
Dental hygiene and responsible attention to the aligners are a crucial part of your Invisalign process. Flossing and brushing after each meal are integral. Just like with conventional braces, you should avoid letting food or debris remain on your teeth, which may directly create tooth decay and tender gums. With Invisalign, when you don't brush or floss after each meal, then food residue will sit in your teeth after you put your trays or aligners back in, basically trapping the food, which may lead to decay. Flossing and brushing after you eat is an essential factor throughout the Invisalign process in order to maintain the health of your teeth. Also, between your follow-up visits, where you will receive a new pair of Invisalign trays, the existing Invisalign trays need to be cleaned often with mild soap and water. Don't use your toothpaste or a toothbrush to cleanse your trays. This is likely to scratch them and won't actually get them clean. Cleaning your Invisalign trays frequently keeps them clear of bacteria so that the “invisible braces” stay invisible!

Allow yourself a period of time to adjust
The same as with metal braces, you'll go through an adjustment period to become used to these new devices on your teeth. Initially, it will feel strange or awkward, and you might even encounter a little discomfort, but after a while, your mouth will get used to the aligners. You could also observe a small alteration in the way you talk or a “lisp” when you first start putting in the trays. It is called the “speech learning curve,” and it could be challenging, but don't get discouraged. This does not mean that you should remove them if you want to talk! So as to stay with the 22-hour-per-day directive, keep them in to get used to talking. Your mouth should adapt to the aligners, and your speech will get better enough that you won't realize you even have them on!

Know that you must use a retainer after therapy
Individuals who don't wear the retainer after completing the Invisalign process might as well never begin the treatment. Like with metal braces, you'll need to use your retainer at night when you are done with Invisalign. We offer our patients the initial year's worth of retainers included in the primary price. Individuals who can't commit to wearing their retainers as they should will lose any progress that has been accomplished; therefore, using your retainer and attending regular follow-up appointments with your dentist are important to your post-care period.

The Invisalign process is not an option for everyone
The Invisalign process is not the best option for everybody. If you have extremely misaligned teeth or a severe overbite/underbite, conventional braces or surgery might be your only choices. Invisalign can take care of the most frequently seen issues like gaps, minor underbites/overbites, and some instances of tooth crowding; however, it is sometimes not the smartest choice for more severe dental troubles. Talking with one of the Invisalign orthodontics dentists at MINT Dentistry is your best initial step in determining if Invisalign is the optimal choice for your smile.

BEGIN YOUR INVISALIGN THERAPY TODAY
If you are contemplating aesthetically improving the appearance of your smile, then Invisalign may be your next step! Invisalign is a wonderful choice for obtaining a more aligned, healthier-looking smile without the attention and maintenance required with traditional braces — and in a much shorter time. By following these guidelines and suggestions, you'll get the results that Invisalign can produce, and most people won't notice the devices that make it happen! If you want to find out if you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign, call MINT Dentistry to reserve a free smile appointment now!